Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: We have three children and like to take short trips with them. To save money and curb early morning crankiness, here is what we do: We use a rolling ice chest as a piece of luggage. After unpacking, we take a trip to the grocery store. We get milk, juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit, etc. We eat breakfast in the room. My husband and I get our coffee, the kids get fed, plus it's cheaper and quicker than breakfast for five.

-- Bob and Christy B.,

via email

DEAR READER: A great saver of money, time and frustration. Add lunch items, paper plates, etc., and lunch can be quick and cheap, too.

DEAR HELOISE: Do you have hints for preventing rust rings left by shaving-cream cans? I am tired of scrubbing them off the bathtub and medicine-cabinet shelves.

-- Leslie B., Eva, Ala.

DEAR READER: There are a few things to use: a koozie (the foam soft-drink-can holder), or you can slip a plastic lid from margarine or cottage cheese under the can.

DEAR HELOISE: Here is my hint for a quick centerpiece for the holidays: Use a few short wineglasses, turn them upside down and place a small candle on top, or a "flameless" one for safety. Put a pretty ornament, small pine cone, sprig of holly, etc., inside the glass. Group several for a centerpiece, on a side table or in a windowsill. I've done this especially when our budget was tight, and no one was the wiser.

-- Shelly J., via email

DEAR HELOISE: Is there any way to re-plump raisins? I went to make a recipe, and the raisins I had were all dried out.

-- G. Newman in Chicago

DEAR READER: It's as easy as a pot of water on the stove or a small bowl in the microwave. Heat a cup or so of water, then put the dried-out raisins in and let them sit for 10-20 minutes, or until they look plump. Remove the raisins and spread them out on some paper towels, then pat dry.

DEAR HELOISE: I wash and save the clear plastic tops and bottoms from purchased prepared or frozen foods. I use them as saucers under plant pots. When they start to show stains, I throw them out and replace with another. You avoid having to buy replacement saucers at the store. They also work well for pet food and water.

-- Mickie in

Sacramento, Calif.

DEAR HELOISE: I've been couponing for years and discovered an easy way to organize. If filed by month of the expiration date, when looking for what you need, you only have to look in one or two sections. At the end of the month, coupons not used can be tossed out.

-- Beverly in Texas

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

Heloise@Heloise.com

MovieStyle on 12/19/2014

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